UPDATE: 2 North Okangan wildfires are now both considered held

(UPDATE: Aug. 21 @ 10:30 am) – Two fires that sparked in the North Okanagan over the weekend are now both considered to be held.

The Vlem Creek wildfire, located about nine kilometres east of Armstrong, has been held at three hectares as of Sunday morning.

Yesterday, the Cosens Creek wildfire, located eight km southeast of Vernon, was held at 4.6 hectares.

“At this stage, the wildfire is not likely to spread beyond predetermined boundaries under prevailing conditions,” explains the BC Wildfire Service.

“At this point, crews may finish establishing control lines, conduct fuel management activities and mop-up.”

It is suspected a person caused the Vlem Creek wildfire, however, an investigation continues. It is unknown at this time what sparked the Cosens Creek wildfire.

(UPDATE: Aug. 20 @ 11:55 am) – In an update provide at 11:45 am, the BCWS says more accurate mapping was done on the Vlem Creek wildfire.

The fire, located east of Armstrong, is now estimated at only three hectares – seven less than an earlier estimate.

The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Vlem Creek Wildfire (K41616). Due to more accurate mapping this fire is now estimated at three hectares in size. pic.twitter.com/7tQcVTfIBx

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 20, 2022

(UPDATE: Aug. 20 @ 10:30 am) – A fire that sparked near Coldstream Friday night is now classified as being held at 4.6 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service is not expecting any additional growth on the Cosens Creek wildfire, which is located about eight kilometres southeast of Vernon.

Fire information officer Shaelee Stearns explained that there would be eight fire crew personnel on site Saturday.

“Yesterday evening, it was actioned by air tankers and two heavy helicopters and that was highly effective,” said Stearns.

“Crews on the ground will mopping up the interior of the fire perimeter with assistance from a water tender.”

The BC Wildfire Service are responding to the Vlem Creek Wildfire (K41616) located approximately 9 km east of Armstrong. The fire is estimated at five hectares in size and is burning rank three in heavy timber, with an organized flame front and occasional candling. pic.twitter.com/0hU5p2xTsv

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 20, 2022

The Vlem Creek wildfire, located about nine km east of Armstrong, is estimated at 10 hectares according to the latest estimate provided Friday night.

According to the BCWS, this fire started Friday night in an area with heavy timber.

“There’s 25 personnel on site today as well as eight pieces of equipment that will be working to establish fire guards,” explained Stearns.

“There’s three helicopters assigned to the incident that will be offering support to ground crews with bucketing.”

Fortunately, this fire has not threatening structures or the communities of Armstrong or Spallumcheen at this time

However, the Township of Spallumcheen activated its Emergency Operations Centre Saturday morning as a precautionary measure.

(ORIGINAL STORY: Aug. 19 @ 4:55 pm) – The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a wildfire that has sparked eight kilometers southeast of Vernon.

The Cosens Creek wildfire sparked in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park this afternoon and is estimated to be around one hectare.

BCWS reports that the fire is exhibiting rank two and three fire behaviour, meaning organized flame fronts with a moderate rate of spread and occasional candling.

The fire is highly visible on Hwy 97, Vernon and surrounding areas.

At this time the fire is not impacting traffic, but up-to-date information can be found on DriveBC.

#BCHwy97 - The Cosens Creek wildfire (K41571) is located eight kilometers southeast [SE] of #VernonBC, and is visible from #BCHwy97.

The wildfire is within the Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.

Please watch for BC Wildfire Service Ground Crews en route.

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) August 19, 2022

Ground crews are en route and will be assisted by helicopters and air tankers.

NowMedia will update the story as more information is provided.